Tampa Pool Builders & Contractorshttp://www.tampapoolbuilders.com
Custom Swimming Pool Builder & Contractor in TampaSat, 15 Jun 2019 11:00:16 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.7.14Your Yard Is Part Of Your Pool Toohttp://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/your-pool/
http://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/your-pool/#respondSat, 15 Jun 2019 11:00:16 +0000http://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/?p=1838Too often, when Tampa homeowners are designing a pool, they focus too much of their time and money on the design of the pool itself. In addition to the pool design, Tampa homeowners should also concern themselves with the design of their yard. When building a pool, you’re significantly changing the design of your property and how you use the […]

Too often, when Tampa homeowners are designing a pool, they focus too much of their time and money on the design of the pool itself. In addition to the pool design, Tampa homeowners should also concern themselves with the design of their yard. When building a pool, you’re significantly changing the design of your property and how you use the space. You’ll want to consider things such as:

The pool deck

Landscaping

Furniture

Below, you’ll find a brief breakdown of what to look for when designing these elements. Doing so will leave you with a much more complete pool design that ties seamlessly into your backyard.

The Pool Deck

There are many options available for your pool deck. Your contractor can help walk you through the available options and how they may tie into your backyard. For instance, some people elect to use natural wood, while others opt for stone pavers. If you live on a beachfront property, wood may look the best. If you live in a more “natural” setting, you may find that pavers and stones allow your pool to blend seamlessly into your backyard.

You may also think about adding bonus features into your pool deck design. For instance, any Tampa homeowners have begun adding outdoor kitchens or swim-up bars into their pool deck design. A good contractor can blend these elements into your backyard with ease.

Landscaping

Similar to the pool deck is landscaping. We recommend sticking with your existing landscaping when designing a pool, as this is natural to your home. However, since you live in warm-weathered Florida, you could also consider adding “tropical” flowers and plants that could thrive in the climate. If you have a large budget with which to work, consider adding palm trees. You can also look into adding native shrubs to provide a tropical feel.

Furniture

Furniture is one of the most overlooked parts of the pool design project. Many people consider it an afterthought. However, since you’ll be spending a lot of time outside, we believe it’s just as critical as other pool elements. Make sure you find furniture that matches your pool deck and landscaping.

]]>http://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/your-pool/feed/0Three Swimming Pool Design Mistakes You Don’t Want To Makehttp://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/swimming-pool-design/
http://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/swimming-pool-design/#respondWed, 15 May 2019 11:00:15 +0000http://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/?p=1837If you’ve never designed a pool before, you’ll find that there are numerous choices from which you can choose. Today, pool contractors have more flexibility than ever in their designs. Features that were once only available for luxury pools are now accessible for the everyday Tampa homeowner. However, the extensive design options also put you at risk to make mistakes. […]

]]>If you’ve never designed a pool before, you’ll find that there are numerous choices from which you can choose. Today, pool contractors have more flexibility than ever in their designs. Features that were once only available for luxury pools are now accessible for the everyday Tampa homeowner. However, the extensive design options also put you at risk to make mistakes. Below, you’ll find the three swimming pool design mistakes you don’t want to make.

Not Asking For References

Too often, Tampa homeowners are concerned with the bottom line when building their pool. While finding a reasonable price is essential, you should not do so at the expense of high-quality pool design. One of the first things you should do when selecting a contractor is to ask for references. A contractor should point you to some of the other work in the area. If your contractor does not do so, you should proceed with caution.

Not Budgeting Correctly

Another common mistake that people make with swimming pool design is not budgeting correctly. Many people tell the contractor of their maximum budget at the onset of the project. Then, the contractor may sell them on an extra feature, putting them over their budget. Then, the homeowner has nothing left in the budget for any “surprises” that may come along the way.

When budgeting for your pool design, you should always leave yourself a ten percent buffer. So, if your budget is $10,000, you should inform your contractor that you have $9,000 with which you can work. This way, if anything were to go wrong with the project, you’d have enough funds leftover to complete it successfully without taking on debt or stretching your wallet thin.

Not Thinking Of The Future

Pools can last for decades, which means you must think of the future during your initial design. For instance, Florida seniors often want a shallow pool that allows them to swim laps. But, what if there are grandchildren in the future? Be sure to consider not only how you’ll use your pool now, but how you may use it in the future.

]]>http://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/swimming-pool-design/feed/0Four Awesome Pool Party Activitieshttp://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/four-awesome-pool-party-activities/
http://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/four-awesome-pool-party-activities/#respondMon, 15 Apr 2019 11:00:14 +0000http://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/?p=1836Once you build your new pool, you’ll likely want to host your friends and family. Doing so can make for an excellent weekend and can provide you with memories that last a lifetime. Fortunately, there are activities available for both kids and adults. Below, we’ve outlined some of our favorite pool party activities that you can use the next time […]

Once you build your new pool, you’ll likely want to host your friends and family. Doing so can make for an excellent weekend and can provide you with memories that last a lifetime. Fortunately, there are activities available for both kids and adults. Below, we’ve outlined some of our favorite pool party activities that you can use the next time you host your friends and family.

Pick A Theme

One of our favorite pool party ideas for children is to pick a theme. For instance, you can consider hosting a shark-themed pool party. Have the children come dressed in their favorite shark costumes and bathing suits. Perhaps provide a shark-themed cake. Whatever theme you choose, we’re sure that your children will have a blast.

Play Games

If you designed your pool for games, we recommend taking advantage! Both children and adults alike can have fun playing pool game for hours. Consider purchasing a basketball hoop or a volleyball net that you could use for day-long entertainment.

Set Up An Outdoor Movie

Just because the sun goes down doesn’t mean you can’t continue to have fun. If your pool deck is large enough, consider setting up an outdoor screen so that everyone can watch a movie. Provide your guests with rafts and floats so that they can relax in the pool and watch the film. Of course, if your pool is heated, the water will never get cold, and you can lounge throughout the night.

Find The Glowstick

Another game that is fun for children to play at night is “Find the Glowstick.” Someone starts with a glowstick and swims to the bottom of the pool to hide it. Then, the children can turn around as the glowstick rises to the top. The first person to jump in the pool and grab the glowstick wins! We recommend only playing this game if you have a “deep end” in your pool. Otherwise, children could get hurt when jumping into shallow water.

Are there any other pool party activities that you want to share with us? Leave a comment below!

]]>http://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/four-awesome-pool-party-activities/feed/0Choose The Right Pool Depthhttp://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/right-pool-depth/
http://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/right-pool-depth/#respondFri, 15 Mar 2019 11:30:58 +0000http://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/?p=1827Many choices exist when you begin your new pool construction, and among these decisions and considerations you make, you will find that depth is something you can’t ignore. There are different depths available for your swimming pool, so to decide between them, you have to do a few things. First, consider the type of pool you are having constructed and […]

Many choices exist when you begin your new pool construction, and among these decisions and considerations you make, you will find that depth is something you can’t ignore. There are different depths available for your swimming pool, so to decide between them, you have to do a few things.

First, consider the type of pool you are having constructed and secondly, consider the type of activities you want to be able to do in your swimming pool. For example, will both kids and adults be playing and swimming? Will they swim from one side to the other and will they want to have the option to dive? Here is a look at the right pool depth options:

Average Pool Depths

Many people tend to fall back on the average established depths for a pool. The standard is staggering the depth between three, four, and five feet. However, you may also want to consider your height as well.

For Back and Forth Swimming

If you are going to do some back and forth swimming, you will want to make sure you have enough room to complete your stroke. This means you don’t want the water so shallow that your knuckles hit the bottom while swimming. The proper pool depth for this type of swimming should be a minimum of four feet.

For Diving

If you plan on doing any diving in your swimming pool, you should have at least nine feet of depth to do so safely. This is just a minimum figure, so you can go deeper if you wish. The nine feet is the minimum height for diving to avoid any injury.

For Kids

For a children’s play area, the shelf of the pool should be between three and five inches deep. It is the ideal depth for children and allows them to stay along the wall of the swimming pool.

The biggest con to choosing the five-foot depth for the pool would be the height restrictions you face for taller swimmers. Sometimes, it is nicer to have a deeper pool depth to play in, so you don’t feel like you are half in and half out of the pool.

]]>http://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/right-pool-depth/feed/0Expand Your Living Space With A Backyard Patiohttp://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/backyard-patio/
http://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/backyard-patio/#respondFri, 15 Feb 2019 11:30:57 +0000http://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/?p=1826Your outdoor space should be both versatile and functional and act as an extension of the rest of the home. Having an outdoor living space with a backyard patio does just that and also gives you another reason to spend some time outdoors. The following are a few additions you can make to create a space even more conducive of […]

]]>Your outdoor space should be both versatile and functional and act as an extension of the rest of the home. Having an outdoor living space with a backyard patio does just that and also gives you another reason to spend some time outdoors.

The following are a few additions you can make to create a space even more conducive of outdoor living:

Incorporate Covered Areas

Having covered areas outdoors allows you to spend more time outside because a sunshade or canopy offers protection from the elements. This means that you don’t have to run back indoors just because it starts raining or the sun is shining too bright and hot. The shade or canopy allows for sun protection and weather protection.

Include Entertainment Features

Including a weather-resistant television screen is another good way to turn your space into a functional and entertaining area to get you and your guests out of the house and enjoying the outdoors.

Don’t Skimp on Comfort

Adding in a few fans to your covered backyard patio space can keep you much cooler and eliminates discomfort as a reason to run back indoors. A canopy or other cover offers shade, and the fan provides a nice cool breeze.

Don’t Forget Convenience

Finally, you can’t forget the convenience factor. You can enjoy your outdoor space much more when you have an outdoor kitchen. This feature not only gets you out of the house but gives you a place to cook outdoors, so you don’t have to heat an already warm home. The heat and smells from cooking stay outdoors, and you can enjoy the company of your guests more freely.

Outdoor kitchens can come with all the convenience and amenities of your indoor kitchen including the grill and stove, refrigerator, counter space, and ample storage opportunities, so you don’t have to travel back and forth between the patio and indoor kitchen when you need something.

]]>http://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/backyard-patio/feed/0The Swimming Pool Fitness Factorhttp://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/swimming-pool-fitness/
http://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/swimming-pool-fitness/#respondTue, 15 Jan 2019 11:30:53 +0000http://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/?p=1825Most homeowners are building a pool because they want to enjoy more rest and relaxation in the comfort of their own backyard. While swimming pools can bring more fun to a home and even increase the property value, they have another great, life-extending property; they can make you much healthier. If you are investing in a pool already, then why […]

]]>Most homeowners are building a pool because they want to enjoy more rest and relaxation in the comfort of their own backyard. While swimming pools can bring more fun to a home and even increase the property value, they have another great, life-extending property; they can make you much healthier.

If you are investing in a pool already, then why not also invest in yourself? Let the pool you choose pave the way for a longer and healthier life.

Health Benefits of a Swimming Pool

When you regularly use your swimming pool for exercise, you will find that you can easily keep your heart rate up during your workout while taking some stress off the rest of your body. Swimming can also help build your endurance and muscle strength and can improve your overall cardiovascular fitness.

If you are looking to maintain a healthy weight, lose weight, or improve your heart and lung functioning, having access to a swimming pool for exercise can also help improve these areas of your health as well.

How Long Should I Swim?

To get a good workout while swimming, you should plan on being in the pool for at least thirty minutes. You should also try to stick to a schedule that allows you to do this three times a week. It is also a good idea to count your laps, so you can see the progress you make over time.

Basics of Swimming

You should always warm up with a couple of laps, kick for a few laps for some more aggressive activity, and then swim a couple more laps to come down. Swim conditioning is a good way to help maintain your muscle tone and improve your flexibility.

You will also soon discover if your swimming technique will need a bit of tuning as well.

]]>http://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/swimming-pool-fitness/feed/04 Ways a Backyard Pool Add To The Funhttp://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/backyard-pool-add-to-the-fun/
http://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/backyard-pool-add-to-the-fun/#respondSat, 15 Dec 2018 11:30:05 +0000http://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/?p=1811Do you enjoy being social and inviting friends and family over to your house for parties and gatherings? Maybe you want to set up a meet and greet with some of the neighbors. Well, a backyard pool can add to the fun and make your yard the go-to spot for many years. A swimming pool does not just have to […]

Do you enjoy being social and inviting friends and family over to your house for parties and gatherings? Maybe you want to set up a meet and greet with some of the neighbors.

Well, a backyard pool can add to the fun and make your yard the go-to spot for many years.

A swimming pool does not just have to be a place to lounge or sneak a quick dip in to cool off on a hot day. There are so many fun games you can play and other activities you can do to maximize the fun and spend more quality time outdoors with friends and family.

Water Polo

Water polo is a classic pool game that is typically played with a few people. Usually, the players cannot touch the bottom of the pool, which means it is best played in deeper water. Players will begin by swimming around the pool, and each team will have thirty seconds to shoot a goal.

The ball can only be held in one hand, your feet cannot touch the bottom of the pool, and you cannot use the edge of the pool to aid in your shot.

Splashing your opponent is also frowned upon! The size of the pool for water polo really doesn’t matter. You will want to form smaller teams according to size and age and make sure that you have enough space to move around without bumping into one another.

If you find that you lack some space, you can dial down the number of players you use for each game.

Inflatables for Floating

With so many pool inflatables, it may be difficult to find one you love the most. While kids may like to jump around on them and play, you may find that adults would rather lay on one and float and relax in the pool.

Floating is a good way to relax, melt away stress, and enjoy the warm rays of the sun without having to lay on the sidelines.

For kids, an inflatable can be used for a game known as King of the Mountain. Choose a larger inflatable and have everyone climb on top of it. The goal of this game is to push everyone off and be the last one sitting on the inflatable.

Friendly Competitions

Other pool games can be played to encourage friendly competition while in the pool as well. Maybe you have two kids that are always finding ways to outdo each other. Have them swim a certain number of laps and see who finishes first.

Not only does this encourage them to play together, but it is also encouraging exercise.

Diving Games

If you have a deeper backyard pool, then diving games are also a fun activity you can do in the pool. Diving sticks can be thrown to the bottom of the pool, and then you can race to see who can grab them first.

Underwater darts is another diving game that tests a person’s ability to hit an underwater target using some kind of object they can throw.

Underwater obstacle courses are also a good activity for all ages. You can suspend hoops underwater and see who can dive down and swim through the hoops the fastest. It is good for beginning divers as well as advanced divers and is a fun challenge to take on.

As you can see, there are many different ways that a backyard pool can add to the fun of any party or gathering. Add in an outdoor kitchen to barbecue or grill, and you have the setup for the perfect environment for your next party.

Gone are the days of sitting around hopelessly looking for things to do to keep everyone entertained. Alongside the obvious physical benefits of having a pool including the opportunity to exercise and relax, you will find that fun is to be had as well.

]]>http://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/backyard-pool-add-to-the-fun/feed/0Natural Pond Swimming Poolhttp://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/natural-pond-swimming-pool/
http://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/natural-pond-swimming-pool/#respondThu, 15 Nov 2018 11:30:07 +0000http://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/?p=1812A natural pond swimming pool, despite what the name suggests, is much cleaner than a pond and happen to be a big selling point for families looking for a pool that is easier to maintain and easier on the energy consumption. This type of pool also allows the homeowner to create a very natural and relaxing setting in their own backyard […]

A natural pond swimming pool, despite what the name suggests, is much cleaner than a pond and happen to be a big selling point for families looking for a pool that is easier to maintain and easier on the energy consumption.

This type of pool also allows the homeowner to create a very natural and relaxing setting in their own backyard by incorporating the right landscaping choices with a clever pool design. Read on to see how you can create this aesthetic.

Natural Plants

Incorporating natural plants into the landscaping surrounding your pool is a great way to feel that much closer to nature. Certain aquatic plants can also be used instead of harmful and toxic chemicals that complicate the filtering process of the pool.

When designing your landscaping, keep in mind how much sun exposure there will be. The sun promotes algae growth, so the less exposure to the sun you can achieve, the better.

Concrete Molds with Stone Patterns

When creating a natural pond swimming pool, you are trying to find ways to blend in with nature as much as possible, so gravel stone is a great touch because it provides a much more natural looking landscape and aesthetic for the pool.

Ramps Instead of Stairs

You will also want to steer clear of incorporating elements that seem out of place when you are trying to blend in with your more natural surroundings. For example, get rid of the stairs in the pool and opt for the natural and subtle decline of a ramp instead. Ponds don’t have stairs, so your natural pond swimming pool shouldn’t have them either. Additionally, a flat bottom is typically best to incorporate into the pool design.

Other Natural Pond Pool Tips

Keep the pool design simple and use natural stone walls and water features. By incorporating a natural pond swimming pool into your backyard, you will be achieving a beautiful and serene environment while also creating a habitat for flora.

]]>http://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/natural-pond-swimming-pool/feed/0Swimming Pool Innovationshttp://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/swimming-pool-innovations/
http://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/swimming-pool-innovations/#respondMon, 15 Oct 2018 11:30:55 +0000http://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/?p=1795The old days of the traditional and mundane pool and backyard space are of the past. As we move into the future, we are offered updated and exciting features that we can add to our backyard space that will make everyone envious of the pool. Here is a look at some swimming pool innovations: The Introduction of Deck Jets Deck […]

The old days of the traditional and mundane pool and backyard space are of the past. As we move into the future, we are offered updated and exciting features that we can add to our backyard space that will make everyone envious of the pool. Here is a look at some swimming pool innovations:

The Introduction of Deck Jets

Deck jets are a good way to add some excitement to pool time. They are arcs of water that reach from the deck or patio and go over the pool. They are typically two and a half inches in diameter and come in sets of four.

They create water effects for the pool that add a bit of magic and appeal. They are also very easy to operate and maintain, and you can choose to add sounds to accompany the water feature.

A Waterfall Feature

A waterfall feature is often the focal point of the swimming pool area and makes a great addition to the overall ambiance you are achieving. The soothing sounds, splashing water, and beautiful landscape also lend well to the overall effect this water feature achieves.

LED Lighting

Speaking of ambiance, what better way to create an environment perfect for gatherings at any time of the day or night with LED lighting. You can choose from different colored bulbs, so you can create whatever effect you want for your swimming pool and outdoor space.

They also last a lot longer than traditional light bulbs, so you have the added benefit of reduced energy consumption and light bulb replacement costs as well. Additionally, you can customize whatever color scheme you want for the pool, so you can have something that is appropriate for every holiday and gathering.

Creating a Stress-Free Environment

Combining all these high-quality features in your backyard and around your swimming pool will do wonders when it comes to creating the space of your dreams. The soothing sounds of the water features, the beautiful lighting, and the entertainment from the deck jets can create a comfortable environment that is easy to relax in and melt away the stress of your day.

They will also make your backyard the envy of the neighborhood, so don’t be surprised if you find that your home becomes the go-to location for neighborhood parties!

]]>http://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/swimming-pool-innovations/feed/0How to Decide Swimming Pool Depthhttp://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/swimming-pool-depth/
http://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/swimming-pool-depth/#respondMon, 17 Sep 2018 11:30:28 +0000http://www.tampapoolbuilders.com/?p=1788As you configure the design for your new pool, you’ll be tasked with making many decisions. Some decisions will be more critical than others, as the essential choices are crucial for determining the makeup of your pool. One of the more difficult decisions you may have to make is the depth of your pool. Numerous factors go into deciding how […]

]]>As you configure the design for your new pool, you’ll be tasked with making many decisions. Some decisions will be more critical than others, as the essential choices are crucial for determining the makeup of your pool. One of the more difficult decisions you may have to make is the depth of your pool. Numerous factors go into deciding how deep you should make your pool. To ensure you are satisfied with your pool for years to come, it’s crucial that you review the criteria to help you make an informed decision.

Who Will Use The Pool?

There’s no other way to put it, focusing on who will use the pool and their purpose for using it is the most critical factor when deciding swimming pool depth. Varying pool depths can be used for a variety of different reasons.

For example, if you’re looking to have a lot of fun with your new pool and install features like a diving board or a waterslide, you’ll need to make sure your pool is at least eight feet deep. If you’re looking to use your pool for physical activity, such as for games or swimming laps, you can choose for a shallower pool depth of four to five feet.

Future Considerations

Not only should you concern yourself with how your friends and family will use the pool now, but you should also be mindful of how they will use the pool in the future. If you make the wrong decision now, it could end up being costly. Once you have settled on your pool’s depth, it may be tough, if not impossible, to change it in the future. If it is possible, it will end up being very expensive.

So, it’s vital that you’re mindful of how you will use the pool in the future. If you have young children now but expect that they would like a deep end down the road, consider building the deep end now and implementing other safety measures to protect them in the time being.